The General Manager of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, says the Agency would continue to do all within its reach to train officers in line with international best practices.
He made the remarks during a courtesy-call by the Executive Members of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, ably led by the Vice Chairman, Mr. Philip Nwosu on Wednesday in Lagos.
Olalekan said the Agency had invested hugely in the area of capacity building and welfare for staff members.
“So much has been committed to repositioning LASTMA which is evident in the conduct of its officers.
“Capacity building and welfare of members are on the front burner and we will continue to do so to encourage our officers. As we speak, no fewer than one thousand five hundred (1,500) officers have been trained by our consultants.
“As members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, we will be glad to have “Journalists on Patrol” with us so that the NUJ can have first-hand information with regards to our activities” the LASTMA boss said.
Bakare-Oki also called on the general public, particularly road users to shun reckless behaviour on major roads.
“In the last seven months, we have impounded
ten thousand, seven hundred and sixty five (10,765) vehicles, out of which six thousand offenders are Commercial Drivers.
“We also recorded over two thousand (2000) crashes while one hundred and seven (107) lives were lost between January to July 2024.
“LASTMA is doing a lot to reduce mortality rate on Lagos roads and one way we are doing this is through our Enlightenment Traffic Education Programme which seeks to educate, enlighten and orientate motorists on how they can navigate traffic infractions.
“We equally floated the Female Elite Corps last year as part of our efforts to key into the Themes+ Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as well as the introduction of the whistle blower app that can aid our operations” Bakare-Oki explained.
On his part, the Vice Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, Mr. Philip Nwosu commended Bakare-Oki for rebranding the agency within a very short time.
“Firstly, we want to congratulate LASTMA for her 24th anniversary which was marked in July 2024.
“We are so happy because the welfare of staff members remains top priority and we have no doubt that you will continue to do more.
“Sir, we recall that during the 24th Anniversary of LASTMA in July 2024, you approved N16.5 million as financial assistance to support injured officers of the Agency.
“Under your watch, you also gave Awards of Recognition to 10 outstanding officers of the agency for their exemplary performance, dedication and contributions to traffic management and safety.
“We also commend your initiative which gave birth to the new toll-free call centre within the number 080000527862, which was inaugurated to serve as support, receive complaint and commendation from the public.
“We are here to pledge our unwavering support and to assure you of a robust partnership between the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos State Council and your agency.
“Your giant strides are laudable and we will continue to be partners in progress.
“Against this backdrop the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos State Council will be honouring you with an Award of Excellence during its 2024 Press Week billed to hold in October this year.
Meanwhile, the Public Affairs Officer of LASTMA, Mr. Taofeek Adebayo said the Agency had been able to assist many states in Nigeria and in few African countries put in place a standard traffic management master plan.
Other top officers of LASTMA present during the visit included Mr. Jubril Oshodi; Quarter Master General, Mr. Ayuba Akinpelu; Director, Human Capacity Development and Specialised Training, Mr. Jimmy Awoyemi; Director Traffic Advocacy and Special Traffic Mayor, Mr. Bamgbasa Sulaiman; Director, Traffic Safety Standard and Mr. Abdul Olakunle, Director, Traffic Monitoring and Survey.
Others were Mrs. Motunrayo Ojeniyi; Director, Welfare; Mrs. Owoebute, Director, Legal Department; Mrs. Ayeni, Director, Human Resources; Mr. Abdul Oladimeji; Director, Research and Statistics and Mrs. Aluko, Head, Digital Media Communication.
The NUJ delegation had in attendance Tunde Olalere, Secretary; Olayide Awosanya, Assistant Secretary; Adeola Akindele Treasurer; Innocent Anaba, Financial Secretary; Kemi Ishola Internal Auditor; and Alaba Igbarola; Ex-Officio.